Circumnavigation of Tasmania

Board your ship in Hobart in the afternoon for an evening departure. Take the time to become acquainted with all the facilities onboard before meeting your fellow travelers, the Captain, and crew for the Captain’s Welcome Drinks.

The historic ruins and rugged cliffs of Maria Island National Park are home to a diverse range of wildlife that includes Forester kangaroos, Bennetts wallabies, and native wombats. While on the island, walk to historic Darlington Settlement, explore the ancient seabeds of the Fossil Cliffs, and marvel at the sandstone formations of the incredible Painted Cliffs where rich iron deposits have stained the sandstone cliffs with amazing streaks of colors.

The spectacular peninsula of Freycinet is crafted from pink granite peaks—the Hazard Mountains—and is surrounded by azure bays and backed by dry eucalyptus forest. At Freycinet National Park, you can join an optional guided hike (approx. two hours) to the Wineglass Bay beach, consistently voted one of the most breathtaking beaches in the world, via the lookout or Isthmus Track. Witness numerous fur seals lounging on the rocks on the Ile des Phoques, a small rocky island between Freycinet Peninsula and Maria Island.

On wild and rugged Flinders Island, the largest of the Furneaux Group in the Bass Strait, you can admire the pink and gray granite mountain ranges of Strzelecki National Park as you walk along the beach or hike along one of Tasmania’s “Great Short Walks” at Trousers Point and Castle Rock. Among some of the other islands here, explore seaside townships, learn about the history of the Wybalenna Settlement, and see relics of Flinders maritime history at the Furneaux Museum.

Weather permitting, visit the Kent Group of islands, Tasmania’s northernmost national park and a marine protected area. These islands are the remains of a land bridge that once connected Tasmania with main land Australia over 10,000 years ago. The waters of Kent Island are crystal clear, with a high diversity of fish species. On Deal Island you’ll see the tallest lighthouse in Australia, standing 1,000 feet above sea level, enjoy several walk options, and swim and kayak off the beach.

Cruise the scenic Tamar River to Launceston, which has recently been designated a UNESCO City of Gastronomy. Formed by the confluence of the North and South Esk rivers at Launceston, the river’s banks are peppered with scenic reserves, historic properties, and notable vineyards. You will spend time in the riverfront city of "Launnie" to view its architectural treasures.

Visit the charming seaside village of Stanley, steeped in history and famous for its fresh seafood. Walk to see "The Nut," an old volcanic plug that measures approximately 2.85 miles with a steep section that flattens to form the top. You can opt for a chairlift to skip the incline. Either way, be rewarded with coastal views before heading to explore Highfield Historic Site.

Weather permitting, visit King Island, whose tumultuous waters are the final resting place of over 140 shipwrecks. Learn about the island’s rich and often terrible maritime history, as well as its famous beef and cheese industries.

Take in the dramatic scenery as you cruise the stunning west coast. Home to striking mountain ranges, ancient pine forests, and untamed rivers, the wild west coast is the heart of Tasmania’s wilderness and a true frontier.

A marine reserve and part of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, spectacular Port Davey is only accessible by sea, small aircraft, or a multi-day hike.? Enjoy the unforgettable experience of kayaking in Bramble Cove, and explore Melaleuca, along with hiking and bird-watching.

Two days are spent here, and upon departure, you will cruise past the remote south coast island of Maatsuyker, home to Australia’s most southerly lighthouse.

Note: Access to Port Davey and Bathurst Harbour is subject to annual permits being granted by Tasmania Parks and Wildlife.

Experience the rugged beauty of Fluted Cape as you walk along the sheer coastal cliffs. Learn about the rich maritime history of Adventure Bay, and explore the history of old whaling stations on the way to Grass Point.

The Tasman Peninsula is known for its fascinating geological formations, including the soaring 984-foot-high dolerite sea cliffs of Cape Raoul, Cape Pillar and Cape Hauy, the tallest in the southern hemisphere. Watch fur seals hauling out on the rocks, as well as playful dolphins feeding and magnificent albatross soaring among the updrafts created by the sea cliffs. At Fortescue Bay, hike a section of the Three Capes track towards Cape Hauy, and later the ship will circumnavigate the impressive Tasman Island. This evening experience a signature event at Bangor Vineyard, featuring the region’s finest local produce and hosted by 7th generation farmer Matt Dunbabin.

One of Australia’s most significant historic places, the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Port Arthur ruins stand sentinel on the Tasman Peninsula south of the narrow isthmus of Eaglehawk Neck. For more than 40 years the Port Arthur penal colony housed British and Australian convicts sentenced to hard labor before its heavy iron doors clanked shut for the last time in 1877.

Disembark your ship this morning in Hobart and transfer to the city or the airport for homeward-bound flights.